Lowering eGFR and creatine

[TopazForests]

My husband was recently diagnosed with stage 2 CKD with creatine around 2.1 and eGFR around 42. Between the time his bloodwork showed that and when he saw the nephrologist for the first time, he went in for a heart catherization. The cardiologist discovered two major blockages and was able to put in a stent into one of the blocked arteries. He did not put in a stent for the 2nd blocked artery because he was worried about how the contrast dye would affect hubby's kidneys. This was about 2.5 weeks ago and he had the cath on a Friday and met with the nephrologist for the first time on Monday. She repeated the bloodwork that day and all his kidney functions were slightly improved. She wanted to repeat the bloodwork again the following week before his 2nd cath was scheduled for yesterday (11/29) and this time the eGFR was 24 and his creatine was about 2.7. Not good, it does look like the contrast dye is doing something negative. (Hubby is almost 70.) His 2nd heart cath has been delayed until they can test his kidney functions again in 2 weeks.

Since we know that it is the contrast dye that is causing the new trend in his kidney function, is there something he can do to help get the contrast dye out of his kidneys? I've suggested drinking lots and lots of water and he is trying but not getting in enough. Is there anything else that can help? His next bloodtest is scheduled for 12/12 and if that is improved, they will do the heart cath the next week. Last time, they did keep him in recovery long enough to run 2 bags of saline into him before he was discharged. I'm going to assume they will do the same next time.

[seabreezegirl]

With a gfr of 42 he was not stage 2 more like 3 A or 3B in the first place .

Ask doctor to do this prodecure without the contrast dye if possable as yes contrast dye will make more kidney damage

[suzell56]

I agree with seabreezegirl .... your husband is more like stage 3 not 2. As for the contrast dye, yes it does cause more problems with the kidneys, and I would ask if there were an alternative to it. As for drinking water, no matter what we should be drinking is at least 50+ ounces a day. I know it's difficult, I carry my water bottle/cup with me constantly and drink throughout the day. Also, changing his diet is important ... there are several sites that will explain it, I recommend DaVita.com for recipe ideas and guidelines for a kidney friendly diet.

[horsie63 in reply to suzell56]

I'd be cautious with telling people exactly what they should be drinking. It is possible to drink too much water and that can be very dangerous. I'm only 4'9" and weigh 92 lbs and 50 ounces a day would be too much. Watch your urine, it should be a very light yellow. If it's clear you could be drinking too much.

[Marvin8]

Some contrast dyes are safer for the kidneys than others. You need to have your nephrologist consult with the cardiologist if at all possible. As for how to get the contrast dye out of his system, that should be an easy question for them.

[TopazForests]

The nephrologist is working with the cardiologist on this. Evidently it is impossible to place a stent into a blocked coronary artery without contrast dye showing the doc where the blockage is located.